Instructors

Chief Instructor: Michael Hutchinson

Mike has been training in Aikido for almost 20 years. He holds the rank of Yondan (4rd degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. He has been teaching Aikido at all levels for more than eight years. He is a certified Aikido Instructor (Shidoin). He is also a certified instructor in Aikido for Law Enforcement. Mike regularly visits other Aikido schools throughout the country attending seminars and camps to improve his skills and knowledge of the art. Mike is a Krav Maga Instructor at Valley Forge Training Center. He also trains regularly in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is currently a blue belt. During the day, Mike is a Director with a local pharmaceutical company. He is married with four children.

Senior Instructor: Michael Campbell

Mike has been training in Aikido for over 20 years. He holds the rank of Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. Mike also holds a blackbelt in Tang Soo Do. During the day, Mike is Director Global Marketing with a local pharmaceutical company. He travels extensively in this role throughout the US and EU, which has afforded him the opportunity to attend various seminars and camps to improve his skills and knowledge of the art. He is married with one child.

Senior Instructor: Matthias Lojewski

Matthias has been training in Aikido for over 16 years. He holds the rank of Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. He is a certified Aikido Instructor (Fukushidion). Matthias also trains in Kendo. During the day he owns and operates his own home remodeling business, Fine Home Builders.

Instructor: Eric Bigelow

Eric took his first Aikido class in 1980 as a 10 year old at a small Yoshinkan Aikido dojo in Philadelphia. Over the years Eric has studied Cuong Nhu, Wing Chun, and Boxing, but in 2011 Eric committed to the study of Aikido and has been in regular Aikido training ever since. Eric holds the rank of Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. He is a certified Aikido Instructor (Fukushidion). Outside of Aikido Eric has a Masters degree in Counseling Studies, works as an Operations Director for a large behavioral health company, and is the proud father of three.

Instructor: Bobby Steinberg

Bobby has been training in Aikido for over 7 year and currently holds the rank of Shodan (1st degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikkikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. He is a certified Assistant Aikido Instructor (Jyoshu). When not practicing Aikido, Bobby is also a wilderness guide with Valley to Summit, taking groups hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking, and rafting. During the school year, Bobby is High School Computer Science teacher. He is married with two children.

Instructor: Joe Hendrzak

Joe has been training in Aikido for over 7 years. He holds the rank of Shodan (1st degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. Joe also holds a certification as a personal trainer from the International Sports Sciences Association. During the day he is a High School Science teacher as well as a coach. He is married with two children.

Instructor: Ron Wegrzyn

Ron has been training in Aikido for over 8 years. He holds the rank of Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt) as recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. He is a certified Aikido Instructor (Fukushidion). At age 65, Ron is the most senior member of the Valley Forge Aikido family. He is living proof that regular training can help maintain a healthy body. During the day Ron is an Assistant Director with a local pharmaceutical company. He is married with two children.